RJ Mitte Expressed Hope for 'Breaking Bad' Spinoff Shortly Before Death

RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," expressed enthusiasm for a potential spinoff just days before his death on Monday. Mitte, 34, shared his belief that show creator Vince Gilligan might have new ideas for the franchise.

"I am cautiously optimistic that Vince has something in mind," Mitte told Page Six at the Los Angeles premiere of his film "Talking To Strangers" on September 30. "At the end of the day, any chance I can work with Vince and his team is the dream come true."

Mitte also revealed that he had pitched Gilligan some ideas for a "darker" reboot, which would explore his character's path after the 2013 series finale. He suggested the possibility of Bryan Cranston reprising his role as Walter White, even as a spectral presence.

Mitte emphasized the need for any new project to be a unique story that honors the spirit of "Breaking Bad." "I really would want to make sure that if we did it right, that we put up our best, that it wouldn't just be another spin off that we're seeing or a revival of something, but it its own unique story that still has elements to ‘Breaking Bad’,” the actor stated.

The actor noted the enduring and growing popularity of "Breaking Bad," remarking, "‘Breaking Bad’ today is bigger than it ever was before... And now we’re this really crazy, unique show that has been [a hit] for generations and generations to come."

Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, also spoke about his role in "Breaking Bad" paving the way for greater acceptance of actors with disabilities. "Any time you can show representation of anything on film with honesty and truth that’s quirky and unique and an untold story, is a miracle in itself because these films don’t really get their due justice, and it is a risk,” he said regarding his latest film, "Talking To Strangers."

He added, "This film is very unique in its themes because it handles some pretty heavy content and not something that traditionally is talked about or shown or even even mentioned really — and not just film and television, but in our world in general. And so anytime we can show these sides of characters that people feel but no one wants to talk about is special.”

Mitte was a vocal advocate for increased representation of actors with disabilities in Hollywood. "I do believe we made progress. I do believe that there have been avenues and paths that have been carved into stone now, that we did not have before,” he stated. “I do believe that trails have been blazed. And now we see more accessibility.”

His representative confirmed his death by suicide, stating, "Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.

"Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”